Process for Selectively Removing a Coating Layer

ABSTRACT

A method of at least partially removing at least one of a coating and a masking layer from an area of at least one part, including the steps of orienting the at least one part; and removing the area of the at least one of coa tmg and masking layer from the at least one part using at least one removal device. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes a plurality of parts, orienting the plurality of parts and removing the area of the at least one coating and masking layer from each of the plurality of parts using a plurality of removal devices. A system for at least partially removing at least one of a coating and masking layer from an area of at least one part is also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the removal device(s) are lasers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to methods and systems of removing a coating or masking layer or an aluminum oxide layer from an area of a part, for the purpose of being able to combine individually desirable material properties on the same part.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aluminum is well established in many industries as a base metal with a wide range of favorable material properties: It is light-weight, readily available, can easily be recycled, and can be deformed into nearly any shape without great effort in tooling and machinery. Typical aluminum alloys used for these applications include the materials covered in industry standards designated in 1000, 3000, 5000 and 6000 series aluminum alloys of varying grades of tempering (base hardness), but other alloys could also be considered for the application of the proposed process. These materials are commonly used in manufacturing applications in the form of coils in varying widths and thicknesses, where the efficiencies of continuous processing are advantageous, or sheets of various shapes and sizes, where smaller production volume and simplicity of handling are preferred.

For esthetical and other reasons, aluminum can also be covered with a coating which can be colored in various ways. One commonly applied process is the practice of anodizing the raw aluminum, to create a thin layer of very small pores of Aluminum Oxide. These pores will readily absorb certain dyes to provide a full spectrum of colors, while, at the same time, forming a protective, wear-resistant surface due to the very high hardness of the Aluminum Oxide. Commercial anodizing processes are designated as Type II or III anodizing defined in industry and military standards like MIL-A-8625 or MIL-STD-171. In other applications, conventional coatings with paints, lacquers or other coatings with special formulations have also been applied to achieve sufficient levels of hardness, wear resistance and color.

There are certain applications, where the goal is to combine the wear-resistance and color-carrying properties of the coating layer, with the high degree of pliability of the base aluminum. The above mentioned layers of hard coatings tend to peel, chip or crack once exerted to certain high levels of strain induced stress.

For example, there have been attempts to change some of the parameters of the anodizing process to reduce the thickness of the anodizing layer and/or its hardness and increase the degree of deformability of the anodized aluminum, but it has been found that these variations can change the properties of the aluminum oxide layer only to a very small degree, which does not nearly reach the ratios of deformation of raw aluminum, which can easily exceed strains of 20% and more, while typical strain levels achievable with aluminum oxide without severe structural damage to the anodizing layer are limited to 1-2% or less. These desirable high degrees of strain of 20% or more are typically encountered in forming operations like the forming of small radii, effecting diameter increases or reductions and other deformations for purposes of aesthetic effects or increased structural strength, or dimensional or shape changes e.g. accomplished in operations like deep-drawing, in transfer presses or progressive die-sets, crimping or other manufacturing or assembly operations requiring large degrees of deformation.

Attempts have also been made to “mask” those areas of the aluminum material that are required to maintain their high level of deformability with certain compounds that prevent the formation of the oxide layer in the anodizing process. However, these compounds are difficult to apply, are difficult to remove after anodizing, and generally can interfere with the anodizing operation: In addition to the obvious surface and process contamination issues from the removed masking compounds, there are challenges in the cross-reaction of these masking compounds with the electrical and chemical parameters of the anodizing process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first preferred embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a method of at least partially removing a coating or masking layer from an area of each of a plurality of parts, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) orienting the plurality of parts; and     -   b) removing the area of the coating or masking layer from each         of the plurality of parts using a plurality of removal devices.

In a second preferred embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a method of at least partially removing an aluminum oxide layer from an area of each of a plurality of anodized aluminum parts, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) orienting the plurality of anodized aluminum parts; and     -   b) removing the area of the aluminum oxide layer from each of         the plurality of anodized aluminum parts using a plurality of         removal devices.

In a third preferred embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a method of at least partially removing a coating or masking layer from an area of a part, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) orienting the part; and     -   b) removing the area of the coating or masking layer from the         part using at least one removal device.

In a fourth preferred embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a method of at least partially removing an aluminum oxide layer from an area of an anodized aluminum part, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) orienting the anodized aluminum part; and     -   b) removing the area of the aluminum oxide layer from the         anodized aluminum part using at least one removal device.

The present invention also relates generally to systems for removing a coating or masking layer or an aluminum oxide layer from an area of a part.

In a first preferred embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a system for at least partially removing a coating or masking layer from an area of each of a plurality of parts, the system comprising:

-   -   a) at least one path for maintaining alignment and spacing of         the plurality of parts, and     -   b) a plurality of removal devices arranged about the at least         one path for at least partially removing the coating or masking         layer from the area of each of the plurality of parts as said         plurality of parts move relative to the plurality of removal         devices.

In a second preferred embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a system for at least partially removing an aluminum oxide layer from an area of each of a plurality of anodized aluminum parts, the system comprising:

-   -   a) at least one path for maintaining alignment and spacing of         the plurality of anodized aluminum parts, and     -   b) a plurality of removal devices arranged about the at least         one path for at least partially removing the aluminum oxide         layer from the area of each of the plurality of anodized         aluminum parts as said plurality of anodized aluminum parts move         relative to the plurality of removal devices.

In a third embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a system for at least partially removing a coating or masking layer from an area of a part, the system comprising:

-   -   at least one removal device positioned for at least partially         removing the coating or masking layer from the area of the part.

In a fourth embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a system for at least partially removing an aluminum oxide layer from an area of an anodized aluminum part, the system comprising:

-   -   at least one removal device positioned for at least partially         removing the aluminum oxide layer from the area of the anodized         aluminum part.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of at least partially removing at least one of a coating and a masking layer from an area of at least one part, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) orienting the at least one part; and     -   b) removing the area of the at least one of coating and masking         layer from the at least one part using at least one removal         device.

In still a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a system for at least partially removing at least one of a coating and masking layer from an area of at least one part, the system comprising:

-   -   at least one removal device positioned for at least partially         removing the at least one coating and masking layer from the         area of the at least one part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the claims. The invention itself, however, as well as other features and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the descriptions which follow, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a process flow diagram of a combined Anodizing and Finishing Line

FIG. 2 shows an Integrated Handling System to handle some of the movements of parts and components through the process

FIG. 3 shows the process flow diagram of the Removal Station in the Finishing Workcell where the actual removal process takes place

FIG. 4 shows the detailed parameters that need to be established and controlled for a successful implementation of the removal process

FIG. 5 shows a first implementation example, where the part is acted on during the removal operation inside a Removal Workcell

FIG. 6 shows a second implementation example, where the part is in linear and rotary motion through the Removal Workcell during the removal process

FIG. 7 shows a third implementation example, where a plurality of removal systems act on a part inside the Removal Workcell

FIG. 8 shows a fourth implementation example, where a plurality of parts are acted on by a plurality of removal systems as they move through the Removal Workcell

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying FIGS. 1-8 described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is a purpose of this disclosure to establish that a novel way to achieve the combination of the above described favorable material properties of aluminum and aluminum oxide on the same part is, to anodize the part in the conventional way, including the process steps of dyeing and sealing the aluminum oxide pores, and then partially or entirely removing the entire aluminum oxide layer in those areas where high degrees of deformation on the finished part are required. This is accomplished by combining technologies of first creating special layers with the desired properties on a suitable base material, and then partially removing these layers in those areas where these properties are undesired, to create parts that exhibit a combination of these individually desirable specific properties on the same part, to facilitate the use of these parts for their intended purposes.

One particularly favorable process to remove the aluminum oxide layer is by means of a laser device, for example used in engraving operations to apply graphics and patterns to suitable surfaces, including raw or anodized aluminum. These engraving lasers are commercially available, with modern controls that allow adjustments for the size and shape of the part, the size and depth of the area in which all or a portion (certain depth) of the aluminum oxide layer is to be removed, processing speeds, etc. Depending on the size, shape and location of the area of removal, a manipulation of the parts themselves, the laser beam, or a combination of both may have to be employed.

One particularly beneficial implementation of this process is achieved in so-called rack- or belt-anodizing, where the parts, typically small sizes and/or large quantities, are oriented and aligned on fixtures to maximize process efficiency and provide the proper electrical contact during anodizing. This process implementation is typically found in industries and applications like cosmetics, medical or pharmaceutical packaging, where large volumes, high quality standards and cost efficiencies are required. The required parts handling volume in these applications can reach several hundred million parts per year. Since the parts are already aligned in a defined orientation, it is advantageous to implement the process step of removing controlled areas of the aluminum oxide after the completion of the anodizing process. This can be accomplished by using the anodizing racks or belts directly, or by automatically transferring the parts from their attachments to the racks or belts into secondary fixtures while maintaining their orientation, for proper alignment in the removal process. In many cases, these parts are fairly thin, with thicknesses ranging from a few micrometers to one millimeter or more, which makes it desirable to minimize the need to handle the parts with the risk of damage to the shapes and surfaces.

The following is a list of required operational steps and parameters for one successful implementation of the above outlined process, incorporated within a combined Anodizing and Finishing Line, see FIG. 1. To maximize the efficiency of the overall process, the Finishing Workcell of the Removal Station is preferably set up to operate directly in-line with the Anodizing Line, but near-line or offline implementations can also be advantageous for smaller batches and production runs or other operational considerations. The transfer of parts and components between stations and workcells may be manual or automatic, or a combination thereof.

-   -   1. A plurality of parts are assembled onto a titanium or         aluminum rack in a defined orientation, to be processed in a         combined Anodizing and Finishing Line, see FIG. 1. The parts are         aligned closely next to each other to maximize process         efficiency. One such rack could have dimensions of e.g. 500         mm×500 mm, and hold up to 1200 or more parts of a diameter of 10         mm or less.     -   2. Such rack could consist of a plurality of clamping strips         being loaded off-line with an integrated handling system, see         FIG. 2, with a certain number of the parts, e.g. 40 on each         strip; the automated loading system could install e.g. 30 of         these clamping strips onto said rack in a discrete operation.         Another commonly applied system is to install these strips on a         belt, where the belt is used to carry the strips through the         tanks of the anodizing process in a continuous operation.     -   3. The integrated handling system in FIG. 2 could include an         automated visual inspection system to check for dimensional         tolerances and other quality defects in the raw parts being         supplied to the system.     -   4. A plurality of such racks could then be transferred to a         larger frame that can hold 14 or more of these racks per side,         totaling 33,000 parts or more to be processed simultaneously or         on a continuous belt system in a suitable anodizing line.     -   5. After anodizing the parts to achieve the desired surface         hardness, surface finish, color, etc specified for the anodizing         process, the racks are manually or automatically unloaded from         the frames, and transferred to an automatic unloading system,         see FIG. 2, where the aforementioned clamping strips are         disengaged from the racks or transport belt, and the anodized         parts from each strip are automatically unclamped and         transferred into a set of tracks or other means that maintain         alignment and spacing of the parts, while the empty strips are         returned within the automatic loading/unloading system to be         reloaded with a set of new parts, to be sent into the anodizing         process.     -   6. Upon automated quality inspection of the anodized parts for         deviations in process parameters like surface finish, color,         etc., the parts are automatically transferred into a workcell         station, see FIG. 3, where the actual process of removing a         portion of the anodizing layer is performed. These areas of         desired removal could be located on either of the surfaces of         flat parts, or the “inside” and/or “outside” surfaces of a wide         variety of shapes of hollow parts. These surfaces could be         substantially flat, or curved to a certain degree.     -   7. The finishing workcell could consist of one or a plurality of         devices to perform the removal operation, see FIG. 4, aligned in         a matter so as to engage in certain defined areas to make up the         entirety of the removed surface area defined by the application,         namely those areas where the hardness of the anodized layer         would interfere with the desired deformability of the underlying         aluminum. FIG. 4 outlines some of the parameters of the process         and the parts that need to be controlled for a successful         implementation of the removal process. The source of the energy         for the removal process can be either continuous over larger         areas (e.g. a chemical reaction) or focused at discrete         locations, like using a waterjet, grit-blast or laser         application. The interaction of this energy can therefore be         concurrent in nature, like a semi-continuous sweep over larger         areas, or discrete and highly localized, like in a dot-matrix         pattern.     -   8. One embodiment of such removal is to expose the required         areas of each part in front of the removal device in a         rotational motion around one or more of its axes, see FIG. 5. In         the illustration for this application example, a cup-shaped part         moves in and out of the workstation before and after the removal         process. During the removal process, the part rotates in a         defined position in front of a first and a second removal         systems, where the first removal system may be focused to remove         the areas on the outside of the part and the portion of the rim         areas exposed to it, while the second removal system is focused         on removing the inside areas and the remaining exposed rim         areas. It is understood that the same removal operation could be         performed by a single removal system, by making two passes of         rotation of the part, while sequentially performing the above         described operations of both removal systems, and adjusting the         focus between the removal passes at the inside and outside         surfaces. As a tradeoff for the savings of only requiring one         removal system, the process time would increase for having two         passes, plus any adjustment time for switching the focus and any         other associated parameters of the single removal system.         Suitable removal systems are able to provide adequate quality of         removal of the selected areas over a wide range of angles of         incident, as required to perform the removal on the surfaces on         the inside of the shown cup-shaped part. Depending on the shape         and form-factor of the part, the angle of incidence may range         between from 90 degrees to the surface of removal down to 45         degrees or less. One successful implementation for a small and         narrow part was achieved with angles of incidence of about 60         degrees from the surfaces of the part.     -   9. Another embodiment of the invention limits the motion of each         part to the movement through the workcell in FIG. 6, and the         removal systems follow each part on its path by controlling the         direction of the energy of the removal system. For example,         commercial laser systems include this “tracing” feature by         controlling the beam direction by means of optical lenses and         mirror systems as a standard feature. As the parts move through         the workcell, they rotate around their respective axes. The         translatory and rotational motions are synchronized with the         controls for the removal systems, so that the removal systems         always focus and point at the apex of the parts. The removal         parameters are chosen so that the removal time is short enough         to maintain the required energy densities to avoid the need to         adjust the focus of the removal systems as the part moves         through the removal zone of the workcell. A sensor triggers the         start of the removal systems, and the linear velocities and part         spacing are optimized to match the jump time for the removal         system to move their focus to the next part that enters the         removal zone after the removal process for the preceding part is         finished as it exits the removal zone. This process could also         equally be performed by a single removal system, switching         between the desired areas of removal, as described in the         preceding paragraph.     -   10. Another embodiment would be to employ a plurality of removal         devices in the workcell according to FIG. 7, each aligned         independently to remove only a defined partial area, the sum of         these partial areas adding up to comprise the total area to be         removed. The tradeoff between these two approaches lies in the         investment and operational cost of the number of removal         stations included in the removal system, in relation to the         achievable removal rate for each removal device and hence the         overall system throughput for the entire process. In the shown         application example, five removal systems are arranged along the         path of the parts through the workcell. Four removal systems are         designated to act on the outside and inside of the cup-shaped         part shown as an illustration, while a fifth removal system in         this example is designated solely to act on the rim area of the         part, to ensure adequate removal by maintaining an optimal angle         of incident on the surface to be removed. Each of the four         removal systems acting on the perimeter of the part is set up to         act on a segment of the total circumferential area, covering 90         degrees or one-fourth of the total circumferences of the         respective inside and outside areas, plus a small area of         overlap between the segments. The width of this area of overlap         depends on the accuracy of the focusing and positioning controls         of the chosen removal systems and can range from under one         millimeter to several millimeters. In one successful         implementation, an area of overlap between the removal systems         of one millimeter was implemented.     -   11. Yet another embodiment would allow the single or multiple         removal systems to switch focus between multiple parts, as these         move through the workcell in parallel paths, see FIG. 8, to         further increase throughput performance. In the shown         application example, a continuous stream of parts is arranged in         parallel paths of defined spacing in the indicated x- and         y-directions. The parts are moved through the workcell in         x-direction, and the removal systems are sequentially controlled         to act on defined areas of the parts in each track along the         y-direction, as the parts move along their respective defined         paths through the workcell.     -   12. Implementations of the above described process were         successfully performed by using commercial laser removal         devices. These devices can be of CO₂, Nd:YAG, Nd:YVO₄, Yb:fiber         or other base design to create a laser beam. Power control can         be accomplished using mode-locked or Q-switched technique.         Preferably, a Yb:fiber based, pulse switched laser system is         used.     -   13. The applications advantageously use laser devices with         wavelengths in the range from 300-1200 nm. Particularly         successful was the application in the infrared range of around         1062 nm, which is especially suitable for the range of colors in         the dye used in the anodizing process, as well as compatible         with the relevant material properties of both the base aluminum         and the aluminum oxide of the anodizing layer.     -   14. Average power levels of the laser systems of 5 W to 750 W         are suitable to perform the operation successfully. A level of         20-30 W is adequate, however, higher power levels will allow to         reduce the cycle time and result in higher system throughput and         overall performance.     -   15. The laser beam is directed and focused on each of the         removal surfaces for optimum removal quality, and the         combination of available process control parameters adjusted in         relation to the number and relative position of “dots” removed         with each pulse to achieve complete removal of the anodizing         layer across the entire defined surface area.     -   16. One successful implementation of such removal was achieved         with a focal distance of 160 mm and a laser beam focus diameter         of 70 μm. Other combinations of focal distance (in the range         between 100-500 mm) and beam focus diameters (between 10 and         1.000 μm) may be employed, depending on the particular system         properties and selected operation parameters of the selected         laser system, especially those of the optical lenses and mirrors         employed in the beam path and the particular properties of the         layer of material to be removed.     -   17. In particular, it is possible to select a laser system which         allows to set the beam focus diameter to the full width of the         surface area to be removed, e.g. 1 mm or more, and simplifying         the efforts needed to control the above described motion of the         part and/or direction of the laser beam to follow the length and         width of the shape of the area to be removed; this requires         higher levels of power of each of the removal systems at a         higher initial cost, but may result in higher system throughput.     -   18. The pulse repetition rate can be set to 100 kHz or higher,         typically in a range from 25-1000 kHz, depending on the         particulars of the selected laser system; operating modes can be         of the “modulated or “continuous wave” mode form or a         combination thereof.     -   19. The pulse duration can be in the order of magnitude of         nanoseconds or less, depending on the beam focus diameter,         system power and other specifics of the selected laser system         and the material to be removed; typically, the pulse width can         range from less than 10 ps to 700 ns or more.     -   20. The maximum required pulse energy can range between 25 and         2500, depending on the selected laser application control         settings that result in the best removal rate and quality.     -   21. The fumes and dust particles from the removed particles from         the removal operation are collected in an exhaust system, where         the removed particles of the anodized layer are retained in a         filtering subsystem and properly disposed of.     -   22. It may be desirable to add a second pass of the removal         operation, applying the same or a different set of operating         process parameters, as an additional cleaning operation. Another         purpose for one or more additional passes with the same or         different parameters may be to further alter the surface         properties of the parts, like hardening, softening, smoothing,         or other changes of the properties of the finished surface.     -   23. Upon successful removal of the desired areas of the         anodizing layer on each part and achieving an acceptable surface         finish of the removed areas, the parts may pass through a final         automated inspection system, where parts are deemed “pass” or         “fail”, based on defined acceptance criteria. The passing parts         are transferred to an automated packaging station, while the         failing parts are collected to be reviewed and reused or         recycled as standard aluminum recyclable material.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art of metal finishing that the above exemplifies only one suitable range and set of parameters in a process with a wide range of interdependencies between the parts (size, shape, color, etc.; see table 1 below), the application requirements (size, shape, depth, etc. of the areas to be removed; see table 2 below) and the specifics of the selected removal system and the design of the automated handling system as outlined above, including their interface with the anodizing line and its own process parameters, as indicated before. It is therefore understood that other combinations of overall process parameters exist that lead to equally acceptable process results. It is understood that the matrices in the tables below are meant to indicate that any parameter in a row or column can be combined with any other parameter in another row or column of the same table.

TABLE 1 Application Range Features of Parts Size small medium large (<10 mm) (10 . . . 100 mm) (>100 mm) Shape primarily primarily complex cylindrical cubical shapes Color silver gold other colors

TABLE 2 Application Requirements Removal Areas Size small medium large (<1 mm) (1 . . . 10 mm) (>10 mm) Shape primarily primarily complex circular rectangular patterns Depth superficial coating into base thickness material

It is furthermore understood, that the means to provide the required energy to remove the anodizing layer are not limited to employing the highly focused energy of laser systems, which generally have the advantage of being commercially available and very precise in the controls of their operating parameters. Alternatively suitable, with little concern for less quality in the result of the layer removal, are removal systems based on the mechanical energy of water-jets (with or without the addition of abrasive media) or abrasive blasting (e.g. employing silica sand or aluminum oxide as abrasive medium in a controlled stream of high-pressure air or other gases), provided the stability in part position and orientation can be maintained against the impact of the media, or the chemical energy of certain material removal processes, as long as the residue of the process can be adequately captured and disposed of.

It is also understood, that the above removal process is not limited to the removal of the hard aluminum oxide layer obtained after the anodizing process. The removal process can also be successfully employed to solve the above described challenge of removing a masking layer, which may have been introduced and applied onto the raw metal prior to the anodizing process, to protect certain areas from, being anodized in the first place. If the masking is detrimental to the final use of the parts and must be removed in a controlled manner, the above described methods can be applied to remove such a layer of masking material in very much the same fashion as described above to remove the anodizing layer in those exact same areas.

Naturally, the above described processes can be equally successful when implemented at smaller scales of volume and productivity, e.g. at a lab level down to processing only a single part, or volumes of only a few hundred or thousand parts per run cycle, if the cost of the implementation can be justified.

It is equally implied that the removal of layers of insufficient ductility is not limited to layers of aluminum oxide created in an anodizing process. Other layers of coatings, like paints, lacquers and specially formulated coatings based on various chemical substrates and compounds can equally be removed taking advantage of the benefits of the above described processes, provided the process and operational parameters are adequately adjusted to match the properties of such materials. One example of such applications include pre-lacquered or pre-anodized sheet or coil materials, with anodized layers on one or both sides, to achieve a match in the desired color for the application. Another example is the anodizing in a bulk process, where parts of sufficient stiffness to withstand the mechanical stresses encountered in bulk applications are anodized in large batches, with a trade-off in color consistency and anodizing quality. Finally, the above described processes can be applied on parts of any shape or size, small or large, thin walls or thicker parts made from bar stock. Castings or otherwise machined parts, in quantities down to single prototypes, can be successfully processed, where localized, defined areas of an applied coating need to be removed, for purposes of improved ductility or other reasons.

It is also contemplated that the removal processes and systems described herein can be used for removing coating or masking layers and/or oxide layers from other materials, including for example, various metal alloys, including aluminum alloys, steel, including stainless steel, brass, and other similar materials. 

1. The method as claimed in claim 7, including the step of at least partially removing the at least one coating and masking layer from an area of each of a plurality of parts, and comprising the steps of: a) orienting the plurality of parts; and b) removing the area of the at least one coating and masking layer from each of the plurality of parts using a plurality of removal devices.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one coating and masking layer is an aluminum oxide layer and the plurality of parts is a plurality of anodized aluminum parts.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of removing the area comprises using a plurality of lasers operating at a selected wavelength and power.
 4. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the system at least partially removes at least a coating and masking layer from an area of each of a plurality of parts, the system comprising: a) at least one path for maintaining alignment and spacing of the plurality of parts, and b) a plurality of removal devices arranged about the at least one path for at least partially removing the at least one coating and masking layer from the area of each of the plurality of parts as said plurality of parts move relative to the plurality of removal devices.
 5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one coating and masking layer is an aluminum oxide layer and the plurality of parts is a plurality of anodized aluminum parts.
 6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of removal devices comprise a plurality of lasers operating at a selected wavelength and power.
 7. A method of at least partially removing at least one of a coating and a masking layer from an area of at least one part, the method comprising the steps of: a) orienting the at least one part; and b) removing the area of the at least one coating and masking layer from the at least one part using at least one removal device.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one coating and masking layer is an aluminum oxide layer wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) orienting the anodized aluminum part; and b) removing the area of the aluminum oxide layer from the anodized aluminum part using the at least one removal device.
 9. The method according to claim 7 wherein the at least one removal device comprises a plurality of removal devices.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the system at least partially removes an aluminum oxide layer from an area of an anodized aluminum part, the system comprising: at least one removal device positioned for at least partially removing the aluminum oxide layer from the area of the anodized aluminum part.
 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the at least one removal device comprises a plurality of removal devices.
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. A system for at least partially removing at least one of a coating and masking layer from an area of at least one part, the system comprising: at least one removal device positioned for at least partially removing the at least one coating and masking layer from the area of the at least one part.
 17. A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the system is for at least partially removing at least one of a coating and masking layer from an area of each of a plurality of parts, the system comprising: a) at least one path for maintaining alignment and spacing of the plurality of parts, and b) a plurality of removal devices arranged about the at least one path for at least partially removing at least one of the coating and masking layer from the area of each of the plurality of parts as said plurality of parts move relative to the plurality of removal devices.
 18. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the system at least partially removes an aluminum oxide layer from an area of at least one part.
 19. The methods as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one removal device is a laser operating at a selected wavelength and power.
 20. The systems as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one removal device is a laser operating at a selected wavelength and power. 